No two days are alike in the life of a sports information director, just ask Geoff Henson who serves in the role for The University of Olivet. Whether it’s the athletic seasons, the rotation of freshmen stepping on the field for the first time while seniors graduate, new records or updated regulations, there is always something changing in the athletic department, and it takes a talented, fast-thinker to keep up with the developments. Serving 16 years at OC, Geoff is the man for the job and makes Comets proud with his service. Catch him at nearly every athletic event this spring to thank him for his hard work and dedication.
Why do you love working at OC?
I love working at OC because of how small the school is, creating a tight-knit community. I have the privilege to know not only student-athletes, but also students who are not athletes. Most importantly, I love how friendly everyone is.
Where does your passion for sports information stem from?
My passion for sports information comes from my former boss at Baldwin Wallace University (BWU), Kevin Ruple. I grew up as a young child going to BWU athletic events with my dad who covered them for the local newspaper. Kevin told me if I came to BWU that he would hire me for a work study job. I did not intend to become a sports information director when I started school, but Kevin gave me responsibilities as a student assistant that most students did not have. Those experiences showed me what it was like to work in sports information and later his connections helped me land the job here at Olivet.
What is the average day in your job, or some of the unique things you are responsible for?
I wear many hats in the athletic department. Some people think my job is just doing statistics and being at athletic events, but in addition to that, there are many behind-the-scenes things that I do to support the athletic department and student-athletes. I am the only person updating the athletics website, OlivetComets.com, with press releases, photos, stat reports and more. I handle all the social media for the athletic accounts, including both creating and posting content. I am also a graphic designer, and all of the game programs and athletic department publications are written and designed by me. On top of that, I am an archivist and am responsible for compiling all game, season and career statistics, as well as maintaining record books for our teams.
In addition, I am a voter for the D3hoops.com Top 25 men’s basketball poll. During my time at Olivet, I have been one of the official scorekeepers for the National Junior College Athletic Association Regional Baseball and Softball Tournaments and the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Softball semifinals, and an official statistician for the MHSAA volleyball semifinals and finals, football finals, and girls and boys basketball semifinals and finals.
There are other little things that I do too. The thing that makes my job unique is the wide variety of teams at OC and the diversity of players that make up those teams.
Why do you encourage students to attend The University of Olivet?
I would encourage students to attend OC because you get to know everyone. Also, anyone is willing to help you out, but that person does not have to be a coach or faculty member, it can be a staff member like myself.
What do you look forward to in your role?
I am definitely looking forward to cheering on all of our spring athletic teams throughout the season, but I am also looking forward to summer. Since there are no athletic events taking place, my schedule is more flexible and I have a chance to visit family. Plus, summer is the best time to catch up on things and prepare for the next year!
What is the number one piece of advice you share with students?
My number one piece of advice is to enjoy the time when you are a college student. Many people say the best four years of life are when you are away at college. I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. I learned who I was and who I would become during my time as a college student.
More about Geoff:
- I have a twin sister, and also my dad has a twin sister. In addition, I am the youngest of four children – I have two older brothers and my twin is six minutes older than I am.
- I was born and raised in Elyria, Ohio, which is the city of a church where Father Shipherd, a founder of The University of Olivet, was a minister for two years during the 1830s.
- I graduated from Baldwin Wallace University in 2001 with a degree in business administration. I worked four years as a student assistant before staying for another 16 months as an intern in the BWU sports information office.
Check out opportunities for athletes at The University of Olivet and meet the outstanding Comet athletic staff by scheduling a campus visit. Contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu to learn more.